Excerpts from the press release:
As part of its commitment to ongoing dialogue, the Alberta government is inviting Albertans to share their views on proposed standards governing provincially licensed day care, out-of-school care and nursery school programs. The proposed standards have been revised to reflect input from the first phase of consultation on the Child Care Licensing Regulation.
"The development of child care standards is a partnership between government, parents and the child care community," said Janis Tarchuk, Minister of Children's Services. "Our common goal is a regulation that supports quality, affordable and accessible child care programs. We will continue to work with Albertans as we move forward."
Individuals interested in providing input on the recommended standards are invited to go to the Children's Services website at www.child.alberta.ca/childcare. The consultation document and questionnaire will be available online until February 4, 2008. Copies can also be obtained by calling the Parent Information Line at 1-866-714-KIDS (5437). Information sessions will also be held throughout the province in January.
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Proposed standards governing how meals and snacks are provided and the location of washrooms have been reconsidered in favour of keeping the current standards in place. While many child care programs would not have problems meeting the proposed standards, some programs would have difficulty because of the lack of physical space in their facilities. Other proposed standards have been modified, including staff-to-child ratios in day cares and staff certification requirements.
The new Child Care Licensing Regulation will be finalized when the Child Care Licensing Act is proclaimed, expected in 2008. Changes will be phased in to allow child care operators to transition to the new regulation.